The Downside Of Having "Fans"

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

The last few tickets for my Justin Hawkins Rides Again tour in London (Hayes) & Liverpool - come along: tinyurl.com/kneukve2

[@mimibooboo7161]

I cried because there was in fact a VIP at Ace of Spades and I was told by the venue and ticketing agency no VIP. Even when I arrived early told nope no VIP. I am grateful I made my way to the front of the stage and the face melting experience. Still sad I missed meeting Justin Hawkins who I consider a true legend.

[@vacantalleyways]

Every time i have met The Darkness they have been so kind to me! Once i was front row and the guy next to me kept bothering me and getting borderline fresh. Justin saw it from the stage and called him out for it resulting in the guy disappearing for the rest of the night. So i will always appreciate him for that. Thanks Justin!

[@Ofthegirl09]

Wow, that's an Eddie Vedder move, nice! What great guys!

[@JaCkcape000]

They're all so friendly lovely people 💖

[@dijas9974]

That's really cool

[@ardethellis8930]

Jenny May is brilliant. What an amazing conversation.

[@SaintD382]

She's a great conversationalist, a perfect "foil" for Justin.

[@TeddScheckler]

It’s Mae

[@jordan11752]

We came for Justin but we stayed for Jenny

[@atlantaguitar9689]

I was in the front row at a Bowie show in 76. That was intense on several levels. Also a very funny thing happened. Great memory.

[@moonbeanification]

"Sidekickery" is a noble calling. I'm with Jenny!

[@sophie_cheekbones]

Genuinely shocked by the sexual assault story. That’s absolutely horrific and I’m so sorry that happened to you. I’ve been assaulted in the crowd before when I was at a gig on my own. He seemed to be with his friends and his wife but he made sure none of them saw what he did. I was too shocked and embarrassed to deal with it at the time, it didn’t really hit me until I was on my way back home.

[@lindsaysorensen]

Similiar thing happened to me in a crowd. The guy was walking past me in a tight packed audience following his girlfriend and literally tried to shove his fingers in me from behind with his girlfriend two feet away. When I turned around the creep smiled and licked his lips. Some people really suck.

[@sophie_cheekbones]

@@lindsaysorensen I’m sorry this happened to you. That is awful. You’re right, some people really do suck!

[@lindsaysorensen]

@sophie_cheekbones I am sorry this happened to you as well. It probably happens to so many people who never really talk about it. It took me many years to even realize it was a form of SA. It happened in 1999ish and felt like a violation to he sure but I didn't have the language to describe the violation. It wasn't until I was an older adult processing lots of other trauma that I realized that incident was truly a form of SA.

[@sophie_cheekbones]

@@lindsaysorensen I can completely understand that. Sadly the incident i’m referring to happened to me last year. Naively I think I didn’t expect such things to still happen to me after turning 40. And even at this age, I still didn’t know how to deal with it in the moment.

[@synchronicity1470]

@@lindsaysorensen eww, he pulled a tRump assault! gross.

[@bigt763]

The Darkness once played a free gig in Kings Lynn, Frankie and Rufus were stood outside one of the pubs drinking with Dan inside. I was so star struck, I stood there for a good 10 minutes and then approached them to thank them for years of amazing music and shows, they asked if I'd like to take a picture, I just wanted to shake their hand and they all obliged. Such a top group of dudes!

[@HeyFrecklesX]

I love Jenny May! She’s such a delight when she’s on the podcast. Also a Buffy fan and loved the brief discussion of James Marsters/Spike. I’m Team Angel but did love Spike in the series. Have you ever met him in life? He is a gem!

[@JojoFryrocks]

I just have to say, on every occasion I’ve met The Darkness, they have always been absolutely lovely - charming, personable, polite, friendly, kind, warm, funny, just everything you hope for as a fan really. I have some great memories and some bits I wish I could remember more clearly but was sadly a little drunk at times but they were always totally cool, especially Justin ❤

[@alacia-r7o]

Just the thought of getting a photo next to Justin makes my heart race. I’m sure I would make a complete fool of myself, like a drooling zombie. I get overwhelmed by this gorgeous, charismatic rock star, and I’m addicted to his channel!! 💕

[@SaintD382]

That's awesome, I love your enthusiasm! Have you ever been to one of Justin's shows?

[@alacia-r7o]

@@SaintD382 Yes!! I’ve been lucky enough to see The Darkness live twice!! Always an adrenaline rush 🥰

[@jeffreyaverett1800]

I'll take the first week of February for my stint nurturing and watching over Justin. 💛🤘🤙✌️

[@kristi5555bt]

I like being a fan, not a crazy fan,but a fan who admire what you do..not what you are.

[@mitsealb3609]

Agreed. You gotta have some grace toward people.

[@dewdew34]

I like music not personalities as much, probably why i never really liked KISS but my friends did. Kind of like wrestling ...

[@spencermackay9020]

I've gone through a bunch of episodes and this channel's really growing on me.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks!

[@RickReasonnz]

As any fool can see

[@barbarawodecki7600]

thanks for the ear worm

[@dancorn3422]

I just wanted to come here and say … your song “love is only a feeling” is one of my favorite songs of all time!

[@frankiepeters5434]

I like Jenny. You two have good conversations! Great show.

[@jujutrini8412]

I love it when Jenny May is on!

[@sherynp9340]

I really missed the long form shows. So glad they are back.

[@philcourteney4328]

What I like about your musings, Justin, is that all my prior experience of you were your persona getting fluffy hugs in the video to IBIATCL, and the vulgar hilarity of GYHOMW(MF). Whereas this unrehearsed, softly spoken, slyly sarcastic, honest and heartfelt side of your public facing persona is an easy and entertaining insight into the world above, beyond, around and apart from the Lycra clad frontman we all see on stage. Thank you.

[@djmarklaw1234]

This was such a great conversation with looks at all possible sides of the idea. I really enjoyed taking part. And I love how the comments are people deciding which part of Fandom they want to fit into and what side they look down on. Thanks for not having a boring result to this podcast. I like your art and appreciate the personality, but I'll keep my fingers to myself 👌

[@juliehartley3652]

😂😂😂

[@Reid_Jorgensen]

A proud enthusiast! It is about supporting/showing appreciation for what your art represents to me. Great episode, cheers! ❤

[@JojoFryrocks]

That story about the sexual assault is absolutely terrible; it is most definitely NOT ok - I really hope that if you see that person at another show you get security to remove them at the very least! 🤬

[@Missyisapunkrocker]

They should be arrested.

[@katewood2487]

Completely agree. No-one should have to face that, so sorry that happened.

[@cindyadzukichang]

Totally agree!

[@Nayz13]

Agreed! I’m guessing it was a woman who did the assault- if the genders were swapped, there’s no way they wouldn’t have been in the Clanger

[@dorothyc4476]

I was coming here to say the same thing. That person should be banned from any event. That was assault and they have forfeited the right to be in your presence.

[@Hozenfefer]

Dude, it's been so nice and calming to listen to you talk on these podcasts. And actually I got re-hooked to Darkness' music thrpugh your podcast. These days I've been binge listening your albums, and man I had forgotten how much you fucking rock!

[@Nicolasmondragon707]

Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnnnnn!!! 🎸🤟🏽🎵🎵

[@MariaFrancesca]

I keep falling asleep in the early evenings and missing everything 😆 So, I haven't watched yet, but going by the comments about today's subject, and speaking of being a fan in general, of music and other things... I like being a Fan! How boring life would be if you were "too cool" not to admire someone with charisma and talent. I like to engage in things and to share this admiration with likeminded people in a way that can easily be done from home, as you can indeed do these days, online. I like to be enthusiastic about something and follow things, going down rabbit holes. Actually, I'm pretty sick at times, so if I stopped being enthusiastic, stopped being a silly Fan of things... I'd be worried the illness would finally have broken me down, and I'd have lost the ability to just have fun. Artists and Fans live in a sort of symbiosis that way, Fans have fun and artists can be performing artists at a certain level, or write books that will be published, or earn a living off a KZbin channel, and so on, because of their fans. It's okay to have fun and be stupidly enthusiastic about things, it's okay to interact, from both directions. May I never be too old or sick for that kind of wonderful silliness 😀 However, being a Fan of something should be a silver lining in your life... it shouldn't BE your life, and every artist is also a human being who, no matter what, are never obligated to be anyone's 24/7 reason to live.

[@zoraz4867]

Being childish is the best. As soon as I'm childish, my worries feel as if they melt away and the laughter ensues. I think it's an important thing to do every day, every hour maybe 😀And yes it is why we love you guys. You blend stupendously gorgeous music laced with humour and mirth. Iz goood!

[@SerendipitousArtist]

😢 Sorry to hear about the attack on your person. It must be hard to trust the intentions of anyone in your life sometimes. Glad you push on anyway; always with a joyous heart and courageous intent. Thanks for loving us, we love you too!

[@valerier9866]

Definitely a fan over here! For Christmas my husband got me the yellow Justin Hawkins Rides Again tshirt. He went so far as to record you singing your “theme song” on a card and rigged it so that when I opened the box it played the song. 😂❤ super cool! He also got me the 4 vinyl set of Permission to Land Again. Love seeing you and Jenny back at it!

[@Spenerico]

Jenny May Rides Again is back!

[@weallmakechoices7456]

Unfortunately

[@sambruce8502]

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING EPISODE! I love you & Jenny chatting x there is a lot of honesty (it seems) I love this subject & chat xx big love xx

[@Rocksarum]

Rrrreally great one!🤩 Always combinating super fun stuff with other very serious...😱 It's always amusing watching you two talk, the conversation just flows so naturally. Thank you Justin😘, Jenny 😘(and now Bobby too😘)

[@tracyopera5401]

In general, I find your fan base SO very loyal and devoted! I've seen it time and time again, here on KZbin, somebody will post a rude or silly comment, and the fans will jump on them (and diffuse) the comments straightaway. It's like having a built in posse of bouncers that you don't need to bother paying 😀 They truly care about you, and know you have a beautiful heart (even though you get your shorts in a knot occasionally...hahaha). And it is wonderful to see how each member of The Darkness has a solid fan base of their own....you each are your own "characters"....sort of reminds me of like Cheap Trick or the Beatles. Do you know what I mean??

[@tracyopera5401]

AND we have all missed Jenny May.....

[@MsCruisein]

I think the reason Jenny May loves Spike so much and wants to feel that again is because of her thirst for knowledge. When you find something new that you can learn all about, it's kind of exciting and time consuming and fun to learn everything there is to know about that thing. I'm the same way with bands and topics. If something excites me- say I've found a new band that's really knocking my socks off- its not enough to just listen to the music. I want to know about the people who made it, the circumstances that made them write it, how they arrived where they are, what their childhoods were like, who the players were along the way who helped them. I want to read their autobiographies and all their interviews. I want to find out about their other projects. I want to know what they're working on now. I want a depth and breadth of knowledge about all things about them. I want to get their thoughts on fictional vampire characters and the producers who love them. It's like a source of pleasure to learn all the details. It's hard to explain. Must be all the happy, feel-good brain chemicals that come with gathering facts.

[@synchronicity1470]

it's all about the massive Charisma effect of an energized, fully tuned in, gifted man. People pick up on that vibe cos it is lovely & intoxicating!

[@gembojones8243]

Can 100% relate to Jenny's past obsession with Spike from Buffy.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Fingers crossed they’ll be engaged by the end of the year

[@martinkasper197]

James Marsden also had several appearances in Torchwood, Witches of East End, Marvel's Runaways, Caprice and Smallville and Warehouse 13... Although I was in ❤ with Buffy and Cordelia (especially later in Angel)...🤣🤣🤣

[@gabrielleoana1092]

⁠@@martinkasper197James Marsters, James Marsden is the guy from Enchanted and the Sonic movies.

[@MedalionDS9]

You love us. And welcome back Jenny!

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

We DO love you!

[@sues6944]

@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain Yes, you are loved. I shuddered at that hand down and into your bum. What is wrong with people? I think the gossip mag type celebrity of 20 years ago is partly to blame with these sorts of people thinking they can take liberties that are beyond unacceptable in every way. Please do not enable that person by allowing them to see you in concert. Your crowd surfing is on your own terms, whereas that person violating you was not. Thank you both for the enjoyable episode x

[@justsam9468]

so shocked to hear about the VIP experience , even more shocked that ur crew haven't spotted them in crowds and got them kicked out. Hope they listen to how you feel and realise how wrong they were in that moment.

[@lindsaysorensen]

I've been to many a concert at the barrier and the good shows are definitely a high. It usually takes me a few days to come down from one. I've even been that person crying after the show because it was just such an emotional experience... As to the assault you spoke of...that is beyond horrible. The fact this person has the audacity to continue to show their face at your shows after what they have done is beyond the pale. I'm so sorry.

[@C_Melvyn_James]

Yeah, I'm of the diverse group. I haven't taken the dive into your band. (not yet) I'm aware of the one song. (you know the one) I'm drawn in by your personality and the things you choose to talk about. This youtube channel was a really great idea! Props to that...

[@pratosaurusrex1128]

I’m on the portion talking about fandom. I’m been a fan of The Darkness for 21 years. I owe them a lot, not just the music but I met the girl who would be my wife (many years later) on their forum back in the day. Ive been to many of their gigs and done the VIP a number of times. I find it very difficult to act like myself around them. I get shy and say very little, probably because of all the years of idolising the band. Edit: just hearing about the SA Justin mentioned. That POS should have been arrested. Doesn’t matter what persona an artist projects to their audience it’s never ok to violate someone like that.

[@philomena_def-not-malcolm]

Great episode!

[@draga7424]

I missed your podcast, can't wait to listen to this one, keep them coming

[@Rocksarum]

Yay!!! Long form is back!🎉🎉🎉

[@jacq38401]

I'm sorry that you experienced that abuse, Justin...its not OK at all and I feel for you. This was the best podcast with Jenny that I've watched to now, really insiteful, open and honest... I appreciated you both much more for this. Thank you.

[@GrahamDallas]

Welcome back, I've missed these sessions.

[@jimmcdougall9973]

Youthful enthusiasm should never be labelled/called out as childish. It’s the quickest way to stunt creativity and energy.

[@istneszalenstwo]

Oh how I missed you two. ❤❤❤

[@tracywilliamson4275]

Justin, we had a front row connection when you were here in Kansas City. I was one of the "connections" you made. First , you teased me about singing the wrong response during an audience participation thing you did. You caught me not paying attention and pointed me out! I just leaned over the fence thing and waved to the rest of the front row ! Later, you stepped out onto a small platform right in front of me, and you had one pick left. So you looked at me, and I looked up at you and said, "Hi baby!" as soon as you and I made eye contact. You gave me the pick, touching my hand gently and running your soft fingers down the palm of my hand, and I loved it! My husband died a few years ago, and no man had touched me anywhere in years. Thanks for that little thrill!

[@melissas4874]

All molecules have a vibration frequency whether it be a crystal or even water. So if the vibration of a crystal is what is supposedly healing, then all you would need to do is capture that frequency and play something at the exact same frequency to achieve the same results. There's a reason doctor's don't prescribe frequency recordings for healing.

[@draga7424]

you always surprise me with topics that interest me

[@ragman1960]

I wonder how many of the early fans are still around, I saw the Darkness for the 1st time in 2003 on one of the first headliners tour and now still around today, mostly trying to find different places to see them, like last year Berlin, and Isle of Man, and Manchester, Blackburn,Liverpool….,London 👍

[@hungoverdrawn]

I'm still around!

[@Rocksarum]

So am I!!! 🤘

[@MissyMuthaTruckiN]

Well Darkness came around when I was in middleschool, I was 12/13ish then I lost track of um, a musician I used to follow on Twitch said something about Justin Hawkins and I honestly thought he had passed away 😅 but here I am watching these podcasts 😁😂

[@JojoFryrocks]

ME! I’ve been there FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, I have photographic evidence from 2003

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

I'm still here!

[@flomay56]

I havent watched the video yet but notice you mentioned limerence. I am dealing with limerence at the moment for a music artist and it has caused me so many emotional problems. Its an issue that very few people have heard of and look forward to hearing your take on this

[@shawneisenzimmer9104]

Thanks for the subject coverage. I loved the interaction. Fan + Lunatic = Fanatic!

[@Kevin-si1es]

Jenny is charming beautiful and a lovely lady 💕 keep up the good work you two xx

[@FrontRunnerlive]

Great, rambling episode. Love the tangential chaos of these conversations. It can literally go ANYWHERE! Great fun. Shocked to hear about Justins experiences of assault. The world is a worryingly effed up place. Stay safe.

[@elleeme9451]

I'm so glad the podcast is back, I love it! That person certainly violated intimacy boundaries. They enforced their will to do something to you, without any care or question regarding what YOU want or don't want. The person who did it should be feeling ashamed, not you. They're obviously not a good person. At the least, very misguided regarding interpersonal /sexual conduct. People in general seem to be very odd when it comes to any form of intimacy and how to navigate it. But, just know that the shame lies with the person who committed the act. I don't even touch my boyfriend intimately in any way without knowing that he's into it/ ok with it.

[@millycamilla8773]

This is deeply disturbing. Knowing there’s someone who did this to you and who still attends events - the continued, brazen turning up after assaulting you, makes me feel sick. This person needs some sort of serious help and you’re left with this deplorable situation that has happened - an assault. You have a very likeable, open, congenial personality, and if this quality in you is being abused by others, please find a way to stop them. You speak calmly about this experience but your way of saying it I feel, tells that you are struggling silently from this in a much bigger way. Anyone who forces themselves onto someone else in this way needs to be stopped. This makes me want to not even like music anymore knowing there are people in a crowd who have nothing in alignment with the rest of us.

[@emmawilson3517]

I was just lamenting the absence of the long form... et voila! 🎉

[@emmawilson3517]

Genuinely cannot believe what happened to you during that meet and greet, and I fully respect your decision to remain behind the barrier ❤

[@C_Melvyn_James]

It's interesting how most people don't make the connection between the term "fan" and the word it's derived from; fanatic. A true "fan" of an entertainer or sports personality cares very much about what that entertainer or personality does in many respects. A "fan" is definitely NOT someone who remains indifferent. They are VERY interested, often to the point of being overwhelmed emotionally at being in the presence of their idol. Having said all that, I think the term, fan means enthusiastic at the very least and doesn't necessarily mean fanatical. But it can and often does. I've met Geddy Lee (Rush is my lifelong favorite band) and I've met all of the guys in Aerosmith (I like their songs a lot but wouldn't consider myself a fan, exactly) I was partly overwhelmed by running into Geddy Lee and I had to get a grip before I approached him for an autograph. With Aerosmith, I was there on a semi-professional basis (I worked for a custom bass guitar builder and we were meeting with Tom) but I felt like I needed to pinch myself but I wasn't momentarily light-headed like I was when meeting Geddy Lee.

[@FoxyRockyLou]

I was scared that Jenny or other filming associate was walking backwards and was going to fall down those stairs….😮 yay for long form!!!

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

They were both walking backwards!

[@williamr3840]

​@@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain Is one walking backwards, and the other walking forwards, and they're back-to-back, strapped together with a big belt? That's a really good idea -- the sort of thing you'd see in a 'Making of...' a Stanley Kubrick film. Insightful stuff. Wow! Thanks! :0)

[@AquaGem7578]

I didn't know who you were until the 3rd video I watched. You are honest and insightful. I would not call myself a fan or yours, i just like listening. I like hearing different opinions

[@JojoFryrocks]

Also, Nuno isn’t the sexiest most talented guitarist alive today apart from Justin - that would be Richie Kotzen, my new obsessive crush, which has kind of taken me by surprise after 20 years of only Justin but after the podcast on here and seeing some of the Winery Dogs stuff I watched some of his early live shows with Poison and dear god I had to have a lie down in a darkened room 😍🤣

[@BarbaraAnnAntoinette]

Justin. True love is never jealous. I own the success of my heart, intelligence, & soul. I compete only with myself, & agree it is like climbing to the highest aspiration of self, because I believe in a certain philosophy of confidence & faith. I encourage my friends. Barbara Ann, again.

[@JojoFryrocks]

Btw, I had that ‘Justin’ tattoo T shirt (around 9 mins in). It was white with a red and yellow logo. I loved it; I wore it to some of the early gigs, then got it signed by everyone and framed, still have it ❤

[@raquelsnt]

It's been a wonderful episode. As the most of people has told i am very surprised to hear about the sexual assault. I think the person who did something like that couldn't be a real fan or enthusiast ( the way you like it) if she or he didn't respect to you. In other hand i agree with Sue Thompson in her comparison of fandom and football supporters. Talking about guitarrists and faces...i was platonically in love with Slash during my teenage 😂 in spite i never saw his face! And about chosing the favorite members in a band, i think i have had always a crush on guitarrists so Slash, Nuno Bettencourt, Craig Ross (Lenny Kravitz's guitarist)... And of course Dan Hawkins! I am fan of his video promos! But in your band, i think you've got ballanced roles, i mean that every of you has a kind of different appealing, and every of it is needed in the whole.

[@Marwolaeth01]

Never considered myself a fan really. A fan gives connotations of being active in one's fandom. I've never felt the urge to go meet any star, just admire their work. Having said that, I know really I can't be bothered as I would just be awkward and I'd have nothing to say.

[@Rocksarum]

Now I have stuck in my head the image of Rufus trying to save you from that crazy woman 🤣🤣🤣 while playing at background Bonnie Tyler's "Holding out for a hero" He's not only an amazing drummer, beautiful (inside and out) human being..., but also a superhero!!!🙌😁😜😙

[@synchronicity1470]

Dan is fierce, too. I watch him watching the crowd when Justin is talking with them. He stands on guard like a coiled snake ready to spring into protection of the brother he loves dearly. He's seen too many twats throwing stuff and saying douchey things.

[@Rocksarum]

@@synchronicity1470 😆😆😆 Dan! What a man!🤘

[@wickamahn1852]

way hey Jenny Mae is back

[@peggyh8937]

Brilliant podcast! I'm very sorry you were assaulted. I think you should consider kicking that person who assaulted you out of your show next time and ban them for life. Make sure your security knows who it is. Consider the bigger picture... Anyone who would do that is a predator and has likely assaulted others as well. That is not a minor thing. Who knows what they will do next? Protect yourself and your audience.

[@davidlinehat4657]

Great conversation! I guess your reaction as a fan depends on your emotional connection to the performer, which probably depends on your age and the context of when you were exposed to their art. If you've listened to an artist since you were a child, there's a lot more memories and feelings tied up with their music.

[@ctmcmanemy4918]

Is there an affiliate link for a "Fortress of Solitude"? If I'm buying one, I might as well help you out.

[@R_SENAL]

The Darkness for me, if it had a color would probably be Black or... Solid Gold! 😉

[@trufflehuffer]

A very strong episode. Your experience of sexual assault is shocking. Thank you for speaking out, so hopefully any other would-be perpetrators might think twice about it.

[@crazycatladyjay]

Thanks! You asked a question about how we know what crystals can do. First, crystals have certain properties that can be used for helping with ailments, feelings, etc...(you can find these properties online.) Just try to find sites proven to be accurate. Second, like many other things in this life, belief always helps.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

I wanted to know, how they know that though? Like how can the people who run those sites tell, it'll help with my throat?

[@crazycatladyjay]

@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain Oh, I apologize. That knowledge used to be passed down from generation to generation. Crystals and herbs have been used for treating ailments for hundreds of years. I believe it started much like all medical practices, through trial-and-error. These days, there are quite a lot of us that are more apt to use holistic medicine instead of using chemicals with too many bad side effects, and we pass our experience on to each other and to our families and friends.

[@SuziQ.]

Jenny, James Marsters does Zoom calls with his fans. According to one I know, he’s approachable and down to earth. He might do the Spike accent if you ask. You didn’t mention his band, but he had one for awhile. There are thriving Buffy communities on many platforms. I’ve been a Patron in one for years. It’s on KZbin and has a Discord channel for discussions outside of the monthly live streams (bi- monthly if you count the Angel episodes, which Spike appears in during the latter seasons). I don’t know what to say about what happened to Justin, except that it made me feel shocked and sad (and surprised, because I expected better security). Thank you both for an interesting discussion. Regarding the word “fan,” I don’t think it has to denote a fanatic. I think it has morphed to mean an expression of appreciation (for a band, or a genre of music, or a sport, or a style of visual art, or a breed of dog, a model of car, a brand or style of clothing, etc.).

[@SuziQ.]

Thinking about the part where the partner doesn’t like your music. I had a long term relationship with a guitarist from a disbanded death metal band. He had a “normal” job when we met. I didn’t like that band’s music (had never heard of them before), but I was supportive in his efforts to revive his band and his efforts to form a new band, even though I don’t like that genre of music. Is it important to actually enjoy the music (art, etc.) that your partner makes, or is the importance in the support of helping them to achieve their dream?

[@ameslacey8015]

I was at your Tuesday show in Japan. Thank you for bringing your A-game on an off day, because it was an awesome show. Also thank you for finally coming back to Japan. At the show, you thanked the audience for being quiet in between songs because you could meditate and focus for the next song. Do you mind it when people shout out at you or the band during the changes? Can it help you connect with a crowd? Or is it something you have to begrudgingly tolerate? I was the idiot there talking the whole time, so sorry about that. I hate it when someone is talking when I am trying to work, so next time you return to Japan, I will keep quiet and just enjoy the show. Thank you for what you do.

[@DOCDARKNESSREAL]

Met quite a few “stars” when I worked as an in-house engineer and touring tech. Just people usually some up themselves, some down to earth others just happy being on their own. 🤷‍♂️ Never put upon them the good ones hung out and had a laugh while killing time. Then they were off down the road again to the next watering hole. But never a fan never asked for autographs or photos just didn’t see the point 🤷‍♂️ lol one time while on tour in the states I was up at front of house gathering the merch after a show and a lovely lady asked me if I had a guitar pick ( yes I was the band’s guitar tech) asked me to sign it I explained I was just a roadie she said yeah I know 😊 I had one fan and that was enough for me😂

[@philomena_def-not-malcolm]

The ending of your comment really made me smile, thanks for that 😊

[@BarbaraAnnAntoinette]

Justin & Jenny, hi there. Crystals are pretty & a natural creation of our earth. I don't think anyone needs to explain an affinity toward natural beauty. I've collected sea glass & shells & love flowers. Sea glass is of course the affection of natural forces upon man-made artifacts. Some how I find that enchanting. Barbara Ann

[@Nayz13]

One word for Justin: PLACEBO. The power of the mind makes people believe in crystals 😂 Missed you guys, good to have the long form back!

[@Sandric_]

It's interesting how different people react to seeing Justin live / in real life. I remember Sydney in 2020 and a guy and a girl who were standing near me and my now ex-boyfriend were shouting often "I love you, Justin!" Which is okay, I guess, no harm done. I do like Jenny's questions about the nature of fandom.

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Thanks so much Sandra, appreciate your thoughts. X

[@camilleannae5975]

I have stone bracelets & i dont feel any vibrations but, they are lovely to wear. And... Someone touched what?! I'm offended for you. 🤬 In my opinion, it is the genuine connection & interactions that keep people supporting you all.. It's a grateful energy. It also keeps those anchors in place😉.

[@prismonthethehorizon5793]

Really brave conversation. I reckon all musicians should have a talk like this, it's really insightful and interesting of course. 👍 Also just a sidenote, there's limerance but there's also something called erotomania that could be playing out. For anyone interested in understanding fanaticism, I'd recommend reading the 5th Agreement. Cool podcast!

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Jenny May here: Isn't the 5th Agreement by the guy who wrote the the 4 Agreements? (which I've read) Is the 5th agreement related to fanaticism?! Also erotomania makes sense, never heard of it before. I forgot the word delusion existed whilst recording this podcast, my brain was not firing at 100%.

[@lornapelta-crooks6642]

I Love you and Jenny chat ❤❤❤

[@cahaldoherty2444]

Seen the darkness 3 times in last 2 years was great

[@mordaciousfilms]

For what its worth - I became a fan of you and your personal thoughts/musings on the channel and THEN looked more into THE DARKNESS, rather than the other way around. I find myself usually more intrigued by the ARTIST themselves rather than the work, because I'm an artist too. I like to know how people think, how they see things and feel... but I respect the boundary of artist and fan observing the artist and the works. The issue I see is when a fandom becomes someone's entire life. I feel I have a passing appreciation for loads of different artists and figures, but never have I felt any sense of die-hard obsession for any one media figure... that creeps me out a bit! If I was "famous" I think I'd like the attention, but I'd DISLIKE being bombarded in public if I was going about my business not at my "best"... I also feel I wouldn't ever APPROACH a celebrity I liked - but then I never APPROACH anyone!

[@Vampiracho]

I did a zoom patreon with Justin and he was a lovely hippy companion for an hour.

[@simoneaster]

I'm really, really glad you did this one. Top 5, easily.

[@legbah7]

2:56 I'm only this far in and I'm loving it so far!

[@Todd-_-Umptious]

"I did my masters on Amanda Palmers fandom" Oh you were totally at that Dresden Dolls show in TBMC Dublin way back

[@Hellenen]

Jenny-The finisher😎

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

Maybe she should go into wrestling

[@wiltrudfriesch6781]

Some people do art for the art and not to please the fans. It should be like that, otherwise it's just a produkt. Then you can also write music for tv-commercials.

[@sah-win]

Thank Hades, the podcast is BACK!!

[@sah-win]

This location is gorgeous.

[@BarbaraAnnAntoinette]

J & J, all 3 that I love & am able to communicate with are happily married. I care about them as a true friend would. I can tell how they're feeling just by our conversations. I've known them a long time now. Barbara Ann, yet again.

[@katewood2487]

The football analogy was absolutely spot on. There’s a sweet spot where a band has success but still has a thriving community, and you’re in it.

[@Sue_T]

My team The Darkness is always winning the World Cup every single show 😊

[@btrenninger1]

British podcast award. To get that, you'll need something like those Tower of London uniforms.

[@Trebarwith]

Oh lawd....End of show blues are a Proper Thing. I've only seen The Darkness once and I was so excited about it for months. Fucking loved it. Cut to me on my bedroom floor the next day sobbing into a handful of confetti/snow that had fallen and collected in my bra during "Don't let the Bells End' Ha ha ahem. Months later I went to put on the boots I was wearing that night, only for more confetti to drop out. Cue more sobbing and flailing 😬😂

[@jme2310]

Sold out tour. Nice bro

[@draga7424]

I agree with Jenny, Coldplay is obviously blue!

[@suneyeintuition4315]

Your eyes literally looked so big and sad at the idea of someone liking you for a person, but not liking your music. 🥺😄 You shouldn't be with anyone who doesn't like your music, that's most of who you are. But you should value anyone who cares about you with or without it...meaning, hypothetically, if you took an unlikely turn in life and decided not to do the music for a while, or even ever again, it would be very red flaggy if that person ran or lost interest. Or actually, no. Not just a flag. It would tell you everything you needed to know. Because you would know what it had really been all about.

[@frandem]

Thanks for discussing this. It's fascinating how entitled some fans seem to feel, not just to a moment of their idol's time and attention but to their actual bodies. Like the rules of social conduct can be thrown out the window, just because someone's famous? The 'screaming and grabbing' aspect of fan behaviour always kind of disturbed me, even when I was a teenage fan myself, and sadly it's no surprise to hear that full-on physical/sexual assaults do occur.